Legislator to resign seat.

According to sources, Legislator Pete Kraft told several members of the Democratic Party last week that he will be resigning his seat effective January 1st. Kraft has not been seen much the past year and his work commitments finally forced him to leave office.

Kraft's seat, which covers Hurley, Olive and Marbletown will be well sought after by Democrats. It's a reliably Democratic seat and the opportunity to run with the Parete's should bring quality candidates into the fold. We hear that Rob Parete is considering a challenge to Nina Postupack, we believe it's rumor but will keep our ears open.

Lets handicap Krafts possible successors. Topping the list would be Dan Ahouse or Roy Hochburg. Both are Hurley guys and would be top tier candidates. Perennial candidate Mike Shultis will throw his name in the ring. Linda Bertone switched back to Democratic and she might mount a comeback. We would have to eliminate Shultis and Bertone, the Hurley Democratic Committee will likely look for a new face. Olive and Marbletown may be wild cards. While we can't think of any candidates from those areas some may challenge for the seat.

While we wait to see who emerges for the open seat, one has to wonder how long the Parete's have known about this. Have they spoken to potential replacements? Is the new legislator a done deal? Stay tuned.